As you step into a new year, it’s an ideal time to reflect on the past and dream about what’s ahead. You may make resolutions for the year ahead, such as eating healthier, exercising more, or spending less time on screens. While these goals are worthwhile, there’s one resolution that can transform not just your year but your entire life – looking for the wonder of God’s work around you every single day.
The world is full of opportunities to glimpse God at work. From the unique and intricate patterns in each snowflake to the majestic expanse of the sky, nature reflects God’s wonderful work. You can also experience God’s wonder in countless other ways. Yet, in the busyness of daily life, it’s easy to rush past these gifts if you’re too distracted by your schedule and responsibilities to pause and notice.
When you encounter God’s wonder, it reminds you of God’s infinite greatness and motivates you to connect with God’s presence. Wonder brings you closer to God and opens your eyes to God’s daily involvement in our life.
Making the pursuit of God’s wonder a daily priority doesn’t require much effort. It begins with small, intentional choices like these:
Pray and meditate with wonder. Prayer is talking to God, while meditation is listening to God. Communicate with God often by building prayer and meditation habits you enjoy, and celebrate the wonder you discover during those times by worshiping God.
Take wonder breaks every day to notice something awe-inspiring in your life, such as something in creation that reflects the Creator or someone’s kind words or actions that reflect God’s love.
Reflect on Bible verses that direct your attention to God’s wonderful work, such as Job 37:14 (“… stop and consider God’s wonders.”) and Psalm 65:8 (“The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.”).
·Keep a gratitude journal to write down experiences when you encounter God’s wonder and describe how those experiences have inspired you to feel awe. Over time, this habit will train you to see God’s work in your life more clearly.
My new book, Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year, can guide you to discover God at work in every part of your life. You can order it from Amazon.com in a paperback format or in a Kindle e-book format. Each daily devotional features:
An inspirational statement to awaken your sense of God’s wonderful work in your life
A practical activity or reflection to help you intentionally pursue wonder on that day
A brief prayer to connect with God in ways that inspire you with awe on your spiritual journey
The new year gives you a fresh opportunity to prioritize what truly matters. By pursuing God’s wonder every day in 2025 and beyond, you’ll experience a deeper relationship with God that gives you peace, joy, and purpose. Happy New Year, and may your journey lead you closer to God and his wonderful love for you!